Nvidia adds hardware verification to stop reselling of free game codes

[Deleted member 24505]

https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/...e-verification-stop-reselling-free-game-codes

Too right imo.

 

[Caring1]

While I don't agree with their tactics, they will still have trouble enforcing it unless the code is tied to the GPU's BIOS much like Windows 10 is to a Motherboard.
If it only requires a similar card then the purchaser or recipient only has to have the same type of card.

 

[Papahyooie]

So when I upgrade to an AMD card in the future, or even another Geforce, my free game won't work anymore? Awesome...

 

[Caring1]

So when I upgrade to an AMD card in the future, or even another Geforce, my free game won't work anymore? Awesome...

They will probably sell you a discounted version, or not.

 

[silentbogo]

That sucks. Now if I already own a game that came with the card, I won't be able to give it away even for free...

 

[newtekie1]

So when I upgrade to an AMD card in the future, or even another Geforce, my free game won't work anymore? Awesome...

This is only for the initial redemption. You used to go to the nVidia website and redeem the code there, then it gives you a Steam/Origin code for the game. The new method requires that you enter the code in the GeForce Experience application, and the GE application then links the game to your Steam account. The GE application confirms the right hardware is in the computer when it does the redemption before linking the game to your Steam account. Once the game is in Steam, you can install it on any system you want with any hardware.

 

[qubit]

I love initiatives like this. Makes me feel so warm and cuddly towards a giant faceless corporation that doesn't give a shit about us.

 

[Kanan]

I love initiatives like this. Makes me feel so warm and cuddly towards a giant faceless corporation that doesn't give a shit about us.

And I thought you're a Nvidia fanboy by your latest statements. hahaha No srsly, this is the greatest shit. I guess it helps them with reducing costs of the game they purchase from the developer to give away for "free". AMD has to be competitive again and asap, Nvidia is going nuts right now, like Intel. Funny enough that the solution to both is the same company.

 

[Dragonsmonk]

That sucks. Now if I already own a game that came with the card, I won't be able to give it away even for free...

Not only that, but the game as such is not "for free" as they give you the game as incentive to buy the card. Thus you actually have "bought" the game as it stands.

It would be like manufacturer "X" giving you free stickers with your purchase, but then saying you're only allowed to use them and are not to give them away....

 

[GreiverBlade]

much like Windows 10 is to a Motherboard.

I changed my motherboard recently, not the same model/BIOS but the same brand, and i am on Win 10 ... all works adequately (just had to re enter my CD-key) ... you mean about "pre-installed" copy right? not fresh install (funnily enough it's a updated 8.1 OEM and not a retail ... )


on the topic ... well i am glad i got my BF4 code from a R9 270X quite a while ago ... oh wait? ngreedia? EH? my GTX 1070 never came with a "free game" nor did i ever get a free game with any of my card from them ... even my previous GTX 980, seriously? they were(are) giving free games with their card?

oh well if it will need GeForce Experience now... it's even more worthless, furthermore most game they "freely give away" are the one that you already find at discounted prices on STEAM/Origine/Uplay..... big deal ... (not that they are free ... you still have to buy a, already overexpensive, card...)

although that move might be more to diminish the current tendency: a retailer take the codes for himself then sell them to shady website like G2A and the like of them ... not a bad move considering that...

 

[NdMk2o1o]

Another reason for me not to buy nvidia in the near future, nice one reminds me of ms trying to block used games being resold a while bk

 

[Shou Miko]

srsly this isn't awesome, hvad if u already have the games that Nvidia will offer?

What then? will they make a exchange program or be like they are just lost and f*** u

 

[Ahhzz]

... I guess it helps them with reducing costs of the game they purchase from the developer to give away for "free"......

I've got a free game of Deus Ex that I'll bet you they don't drop prices one penny

 

[rtwjunkie]

srsly this isn't awesome, hvad if u already have the games that Nvidia will offer?

What then? will they make a exchange program or be like they are just lost and f*** u

no, no exchange. You arent actually paying more for a card with a game. And if you already have the game, and are buying the card anyway, they obviously don't need an incentive for you to buy the card,

 

[Vayra86]

You all seem to overlook one important issue.

The resale of these bundled games is a real issue, because Nvidia makes a deal with publishers to get those games bundled. These publishers however see their game keys offered for sale on keysites like G2A, and the GPU's get sold with margin with a price reduction equal to the game's sale price, while a third party walks away with profit on a free, bundled product.

I can understand this move, let's keep in mind these are still free bundled games, not ones you purchase at full price and separate products. It was also never intended that customers would resell these bundled games in the first place, they're supposed to be an incentive to buy a GPU and nothing else.

 

[GreiverBlade]

The resale of these bundled games is a real issue, because Nvidia makes a deal with publishers to get those games bundled. These publishers however see their game keys offered for sale on keysites like G2A, and the GPU's get sold with margin with a price reduction equal to the game's sale price, while a third party walks away with profit on a free, bundled product..

YES! exactly what i deemed to be the end line of my previous post!

You all seem to overlook one important issue.

i didn't

 

[Vayra86]

YES! exactly what i deemed to be the end line of my previous post!


i didn't

Ah I missed that line Apologies ^^

 

[NdMk2o1o]

I disagree, the devs get paid for the keys, yes it won't be retail price but they will still make a profit on them, likewise when nv pay the devs they still make a profit on their gpus, its a dick move from nvidia especially considering the cost of the mid range 1070 and 1080 gpu's how dare someone want to claw back $20/30 when dropping $600-800 on a GPU....

 

[Ahhzz]

You all seem to overlook one important issue.

The resale of these bundled games is a real issue, because Nvidia makes a deal with publishers to get those games bundled. These publishers however see their game keys offered for sale on keysites like G2A, and the GPU's get sold with margin with a price reduction equal to the game's sale price, while a third party walks away with profit on a free, bundled product.

I can understand this move, let's keep in mind these are still free bundled games, not ones you purchase at full price and separate products. It was also never intended that customers would resell these bundled games in the first place, they're supposed to be an incentive to buy a GPU and nothing else.

I'm thinking that the developer sells the keys to the GPU vendor for a set price. Then, the GPU vendor markets the GPU for a price, which includes a small mark up for the cost of the key. Both parties in this scenario benefit from shared exposure. GPU company gets to put their name next to a newly released game, newly released game Dev gets to have their product next to an established brand GPU. Both parties prosper.

How is it that either company in this scenario loses money by having the key to a game such offered, sold to an individual different than the GPU purchaser? That's not money that either party "counted on". Unless you argue that this is "piracy", and all those "resales" are lost "original sales"....

 

[newtekie1]

So did anyone happen to notice that AMD just recently put up this page for redeeming their game bundles. One of the steps being to download the "AMD Product Verification Tool". I'll let you all guess what that does.

 

[rtwjunkie]

So did anyone happen to notice that AMD just recently put up this page for redeeming their game bundles. One of the steps being to download the "AMD Product Verification Tool". I'll let you all guess what that does.

So it's not just those big greedy a-holes at NVIDIA.

 

[newtekie1]

So it's not just those big greedy a-holes at NVIDIA.

Yep, I'm betting the publishers approached both companies and insisted they do something to stop the free games flooding onto the market.

 

[Xzibit]

So did anyone happen to notice that AMD just recently put up this page for redeeming their game bundles. One of the steps being to download the "AMD Product Verification Tool". I'll let you all guess what that does.

That wasn't recent unless you count 1yr recent. Plus they are different methods

February 15, 2016 and ends on December 31, 2016

From my understanding

Nvidia GFE account is linked to the game service account upon redeeming (GFE+Game Service). Cant trade unless your willing to hand over your gaming service info to strangers for activation.

AMD is just verified. You get the code and redeem it from the game service with-in 2months. You can still trade it

Upon receipt of the Key Code, Participant must visit the applicable Application provider’s download portal

 

[newtekie1]

Even if true, it shows that AMD has been moving the same direction. Apparently for at least a year now.

 

[Xzibit]

Even if true, it shows that AMD has been moving the same direction. Apparently for at least a year now.

They are verifying the hardware but still letting you do as you please once you have the Key Code.

Same hardware verification but not same redeeming

Nvidia is linking GFE account to Game Service account upon redeeming